Ontario

Since July 27, 700 members of Teamsters Local 419 have been on strike at Toronto’s Pearson International airport. They are in dispute with Swissport, which services some 30 airlines including Air Transat, British Airways and Sunwing. The workers voted by 95% to reject the company’s offer. The workers are baggage handlers, cargo handlers, cabin cleaners […]

In May, the Ontario government, to the surprise of many, announced its plan to introduce a $15 an hour minimum wage, beginning with $14 in January 2017 and reaching the full $15 the following year. Given that the existing minimum is $11.75 and that the implementation time to a full 15 is one of the […]

Issue #6 of Socialist Alternative has been published. There is extensive coverage of 150 years of the Canadian State. If you would like to order copy(ies) contact: contact@socialistalternative.ca A pdf is available here.

The following is an interview with Sean Smith, Mobilization Co-ordinator, UNIFOR 2002 and Representative, Toronto Airport Workers Council. Tim Heffernan (Socialist Alternative) is asking the questions. The interview was conducted in April 2016. Here is a useful background story from the Toronto Star, April 2015. TIM: Okay, so Sean, first question. Tell me about the […]

In a historic step forward, we are launching a regular publication. This follows our successful federal election publication. If you would like to receive copy(ies) of the magazine, contact Socialist Alternative: contact@socialistalternative.ca A PDF is available here

“After an historical election, Toronto has chosen its first wealthy, white male mayor in nearly half a decade.” Thus ran the headline in The Beaverton, the online satirical publication. As with all good satire, the humour is understated. For those not familiar with Toronto politics, half a decade go, Toronto elected Rob Ford, a white, […]

For the last 11 years, Liberal governments have ruled Ontario. While Ontario has not been hit as hard as Europe and the US by the recession of 2008, it has had a major impact on jobs and living standards. Even prior to the recession, Ontario’s private manufacturing sector had started to decline and since the […]